I started my blog on a whim almost four years ago. I was sitting at my desk in my dorm my sophomore year of college, thinking about the little things that make each day great, like no line at the Chick-Fil-A on campus at the height of lunch time. I thought that if we saw more of the little things–whether it’s no line at Chick-Fil-A or someone helping you pick up your grocery bags or someone praying with you–everyone would be happier. So I started a blog to help people realize that and find their own little moments. My blog (in its first iteration) was called “On a Lighter Note,” and it lasted that way for maybe four months.
After a short hiatus, I came back, refreshed the blog’s theme and (somewhat) started over. With my new vision and direction, my blog took a turn for the best, and I haven’t looked back. My blog is my passion project, and maintaining it over the past almost four years has taught me so much.
I wish I could share every single thing blogging has taught me over the years, because there’s just so much to talk about! But for now, I’m highlighting the absolute best moments and lessons, and why starting a blog was the best thing I’ve ever done.
Having a blog keeps me writing.
I’m a writer by nature, and the only way to grow and improve as a writer is through consistent practice. This space has helped me do just that. I try to keep a consistent posting schedule, usually three days a week. Staying consistent in that routine reminds me to always write something each day, whether it’s a full post, a part of one, or just an outline for a post down the road. The more I write–no matter what kind of writing it is–the more I develop.
Starting a blog was the best thing I ever did for myself. Here's 5 reasons why! Click To TweetMy blog has connected me with lots of other people just like me, and not like me.
The blogging world is full of so many people with intriguing stories and backgrounds. Through blog hops, Twitter chats (and Twitter in general – are we Twitter friends?), Facebook groups, Pinterest, Bloglovin and beyond, I’ve connected with wonderful bloggers from around the country and around the world. Everyone has a different story to share and blogs are awesome ways to experience and in some cases be parts of those stories. We’re our own social network and it’s really cool.
I’ve learned so much from reading others’ blogs.
Not just about blogging and social media, but about cooking, DIYing and crafting, fashion, health, travel, life and beyond. Many of the recipes, DIYs and crafts I’ve made have been things I’ve seen on other blogs, and I thought they sounded and looked super awesome.
If I say I read a blog post and don’t gain anything new from it, then I’m lying. If you read my post and feel like you don’t come away learning anything new, then I haven’t done my job as a blogger or writer. I want my readers to be able to learn as much from me as I learn from the bloggers I read and follow.
Blogging is a great lesson in content creation and management.
We make all this content, and we have to do something with it rather than just say, “Here it is, read it!” A huge part of blogging is learning how to share and promote your content, on what channels, how often, and to whom. It’s a lot of trial and error and playing with what works, but that’s part of the fun! My experience working with my blog definitely proved helpful and applicable both in grad school and in my job search. Even though my blog is a personal project, I can still draw on it and talk about it in professional settings.
RELATED: The ONE Thing I Wish I Knew When I Started Blogging
And perhaps most importantly…
My blog keeps me sane.
Really, it does. In college and grad school, after particularly busy weeks, or when I needed a break from projects, my blog gave me some solace. It was still work, but it was fun work, and work I liked doing. Writing posts is relaxing, in a way. Knowing I had my blog to go to when I needed a break always made me feel better, and made the tough weeks in college and grad school much more bearable.
My blog keeps me sane. Why do you love YOUR blog? Click To TweetSometimes I sound crazy, but it’s only because I love my blog so much. I’ve put countless hours and almost four years of work into it, and my pride in it grows by the day. My hope is that it continues to grow and develop, and I keep loving it as much as I do today.
Why do YOU love your blog? What about blogging makes it so great?
